Promoter Still Seeks Sumter Horse Races

BUSHNELL — Horse racing could become a reality in Sumter County by November if a promoter of horse races can get approval from state and county agencies.

Marc Robinson, a developer and promoter, is seeking approval to organize horse-racing events as part of a second fair association in the county. Proceeds generated from the races would be earmarked for college scholarships and high school athletic facilities if the proposed association is approved, he said.

In a referendum last November, voters defeated a proposal by Robinson to allow a quarter horse track where spectators could bet. Robinson said he will continue his efforts to bring parimutuel racing into Sumter.

Robinson said the fair association he is proposing, the Sumter County Speedhorse Racing Association, would not compete with traditional activities of the Sumter County Fair Association. The annual fair is held in March, and the proposed association would hold races on Saturdays in November, December and January.

Concerns that a second fair association would compete with the county fair association prompted county commissioners last week to approve a meeting between representatives of Robinson, the county and the county fair association.

Robinson has applied to the county, the circuit court and the state Department of Agriculture to hold horse races under the proposed association. He said he expects approval from the agriculture department next week and plans to seek county commission approval Aug. 13.

If concerns can be worked out between the existing and proposed fair associations and proceeds from races go for scholarships, the county commission probably will give Robinson the go-ahead, Commissioner Harry Lovett said.

The existing fair associaton is opposed to the new association because the charter would allow the new fair to hold activities other than horse racing, Robinson said. A meeting will be held to reach an agreement with county fair officials that the proposed association would not compete with them, he said. Proceeds from the gate and profits from concession sales during horse races would be donated as separate funds, Robinson said. One would provide scholarship money for students at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and the other would pay for athletic facilities at South Sumter High School.

Races would be held on 149 acres Robinson owns off County Road 48 west of Interstate 75, the same land where he wants to hold pari-mutuel racing.

The 149 acres is part of 550 acres Robinson owns near Bushnell, where he wants to build a horse track. Robinson is building a quarter-mile race track on his property.